1. More scrutiny ahead for goal review

Josh Jenkins' match-winning snap was reviewed with Port Adelaide's defenders believing the high ball had touched the goal post on the way through. The Crows forward's body language suggested he was uncertain but the positive decision for the home side proved the difference between the two sides. In an on-ground interview after the game, Jenkins admitted he thought his shot had grazed the woodwork. "My grandma raised me not to tell fibs. I think it hit the post but I'm pretty happy that they didn't think so," he told Fox Footy. Adelaide were the better side in the final moments and deserved the win, but Port will be left wondering what could have come from a kick out. This decision raises questions on how effective and conclusive the review system is when there are high stakes involved.

2. Crows alive, Power's season takes another twist

The Crows have kept their season alive in a spectacular fashion, the morale-boosting result setting up a big three weeks for last year's grand finalists. Jenkins played one of his best games for the year, winning plenty of one-on-one contests while Rory Sloane continues to build with every contest. For a side that's been hovering around the top four for most of the season, Port Adelaide's true worth is yet to be revealed. The Showdown result has again shown their best is brilliant, but their skill level can let them down when the heat is on. Their last big wins coming against Richmond and Melbourne back in June. They host the Eagles next week and face another fall from grace if they suffer a fourth loss from five weeks.

3. DBJ blankets Laird

Roaming defender Rory Laird is in career-best form and on track to win the club's Malcolm Blight Medal after averaging 33 possessions in 16-games. But the small defender had a tougher day at the office with Port's Darcy Byrne-Jones tagging him all game. Laird still collected 18 possessions, but a first-quarter goal gave the Port defender the honours. Expect other sides to follow Port's lead and shut down Laird given the negative tactic limited his creativity.

4. Smith's comeback inspires teammates

There was heartbreak for Brodie Smith last year when a knee injury saw him miss the Crows' preliminary and Grand Final appearances and relegated him to close to a year of rehabilitation. With this in mind, the Adelaide home crowd gave him generous applause when he took to the field at the six-minute mark of the first quarter. Minutes later came his first disposal – his handball in the midfield eventually resulted in a Rory Sloane goal. He struggled to have an impact beyond that and gave away a crucial 50-metre penalty in the fourth quarter. But he still collected 14 disposals and will be pleased he's back in the mix and part of a tilt at another finals campaign.

5. Farrell cameo highlights bright future

Sam Gray is out of favour and the recruiting punt on Lindsay Thomas hasn't yielded the results the Power were after. Is Kane Farrell the dangerous small forward the Power needs firing at the business end of the season? The 19-year-old kicked three goals in a hot first quarter, helping the Power recover from a slow start. All three scores were set up from handballs from Travis Boak and Jack Watts, highlighting their faith in his finishing skills. This time last year coach Ken Hinkley held his mettle and persisted with forward Todd Marshall in preference to Jackson Trengove. Farrell could be in for an exciting month if Hinkley shows the same self-belief.